Hi Everyone!

This is my first post here. I thought it was about time I offered my $CDN .02 worth from a "newbie" perspective.
I bought my bcp many months ago. I had no experience with any kind of RC flight. I do have some real fixed wing time and enjoy FS2004. It was pretty much an impulse purchase as I hadn't done much in the way of research, although I was aware that this was not a toy and the learning curve would be pretty steep. Early flights (all indoors) were not encouraging and it wasn't long before I went shopping for replacement blades and a set of "training wheels". After shelving eveything for a while, I got the bug again and tried to learn in earnest. I guess I was pretty lucky as I never did much damage beyond destroying main blades. (and bruising fingers).
A trip to the hobby shop (2 1/2 hour round trip) last weekend for more replacement blades had me coming home with new flat blades, 900 mAh Li-Po pak /charger, 3d upgrade kit ('cuz of the higher voltage, not because I had progressed to inverted flight).
I totalled the new set of FB blades in no-time and fitted the symetrical blades within the first 15 minutes. The first thing I noticed was that I need way more collective to approach a hover but that once airborne, the heli was WAY more stable than before the blade change. I looked through the forums but couldn't find any discussions on why this might be the case. One thing I will say to other beginners is, if you think you are serious about mastering your bcp and are still on the stock battery pack, run to your nearest source of Li-Po battery packs and upgrade! The added filight time will go a long way to reducing your frustration while you learn. I'm not sure if I really needed to go with the beefier motor or not. I do know the heat sinks are a must-have, as is the special Li-Po charger.
I need new main blades again (and a tail rotor blade) and have just ordered from helidirect. Just FYI, a new set of flat-bottom, mono-covered blades from e-flite sets me back $C 18.95 at my local hobby shop!!!

Keep 'em Flying!

Kevin